PROGRESS on the new site for the Thomas Foods International meat processing facility has taken another step with the call out for the planning and designing of road access upgrades.
The federal and state government have committed $14-million to provide road access to the new site announced in June, about six kilometres north of Murray Bridge.
As part of this project, a Request for Tender has been released for the planning and design works for a new link road, approximately 2km in length, and an associated junction on Mannum Road.
The new junction will connect to the existing north-south freight route between Murray Bridge and the Sturt Highway, which runs along Mannum Road, allowing both staff and higher-productivity vehicles to access the new facility.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the project forms part of the $330 million Rural Roads Package for SA.
"We want the facility to be world-class in adapting the latest advancements in technology, efficiency, environmental sustainability and workplace safety," he said.
State Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll said the state government was investing record levels of funding in regional road infrastructure.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the project would construct the junction with Mannum Road and deliver a new road to facilitate staff and higher-productivity vehicle access to the Thomas Foods Facility at Murray Bridge.
"By working together we've been able to assist the company rebuild by funding the road infrastructure that will boost freight productivity. It's an important piece of the puzzle that will ultimately lead to benefits across the supply chain," he said.
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Local Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick said Thomas Foods International's new state-of-the-art meat processing plant is set to deliver up to 2000 new jobs, providing a major boon to the local economy.
"This project, which will create thousands of jobs, will provide a massive economic boost and underpin jobs and growth in the Murray Bridge and surrounding area for decades," he said.
The planning and design works are anticipated to be finished early in 2020.
Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2020, following engagement with the local property owners.
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